Imagine curling up in your favorite cozy sweater with a warm mug of hot chocolate… now turn that vibe into breakfast. That’s exactly what this smoothie does—it’s rich, chocolatey, and secretly packed with fuel to power you through your busiest holiday mornings. Whether you’re flying out the door with a Santa hat or easing into a lazy brunch, this festive smoothie checks all the boxes. Let’s stir up a little holiday magic—in smoothie form!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Okay, real talk—I came up with this one morning when I couldn’t decide between hot cocoa and a proper breakfast. So I said, why not both? It quickly became a family favorite, and now it’s a holiday go-to.
- Tastes like a peppermint hot chocolate, but it’s secretly nutritious
- Ready in about 10 minutes, perfect for chaotic mornings
- Customizable for vegan, dairy-free, or nut-free needs
- Make-ahead friendly—just blend and go!
- Kids and grown-ups both give it a festive thumbs-up
Ingredients Breakdown
Essentials
- 1 cup milk (dairy or plant-based like almond, oat, or soy)
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1–2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey (to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1 frozen medium banana
- 1/2 cup plain or vanilla Greek yogurt (or dairy-free yogurt)
- 1 tablespoon almond butter or peanut butter
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds or flaxseeds
- 1/2 cup ice (adjust to desired thickness)
Pro Tips
- For a holiday kick, add 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract or swirl in crushed candy canes
- Add a pinch of cayenne or chili powder for grown-up heat
- No banana? Sub in 1/2 cup pumpkin or avocado for creaminess (and festive flair!)
- Use cacao powder if you want a deeper, less sweet chocolate flavor
Step-by-Step Instructions
- In a small saucepan, whisk together the milk, cocoa powder, maple syrup, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt. Heat over medium until the mixture is steamy and smooth—don’t boil!
- Let the hot chocolate base cool slightly for 1–2 minutes. This prevents pressure in the blender and keeps nutrients intact.
- Pour the warm base into a blender. Add oats, frozen banana, yogurt, nut butter, chia seeds, peppermint extract (if using), and ice.
- Blend on high until creamy and smooth. Adjust thickness with a splash of extra milk if needed.
- Taste and tweak: Add a dash more maple syrup or cinnamon if desired.
- Pour into two glasses and top with whipped cream, shaved chocolate, crushed peppermint, or all three if you’re feeling fancy!
Chef’s Tips and Tricks
- Use pre-frozen banana slices for quicker blending and extra chill
- Make a double batch and keep leftovers in the fridge for up to 24 hours
- Not a fan of peppermint? Sub it with orange zest or a drop of almond extract
- Always start your blender on low, then increase to high for a smoother result
Recipe Variations and Serving Suggestions
- Mocha Morning: Add 1 teaspoon instant espresso to the hot chocolate base for a coffeehouse vibe
- Vegan Delight: Use plant-based milk, dairy-free yogurt, and seed butter
- Nourish Bowl Style: Pour the smoothie into a bowl, top with granola, berries, and a drizzle of chocolate syrup
- Kid-Friendly Fun: Skip the peppermint and top with mini marshmallows or chocolate chips
FAQs
Can I make this the night before?
Yes! You can prep the dry ingredients in a jar and keep it on the counter. Just reheat the milk base and blend everything in the morning. This smoothie also stores well for up to 24 hours in the fridge.
Is it supposed to be warm or cold?
Both! The warm base plus frozen banana and ice gives it that perfect “just right” cozy-chill balance. You can tweak it cooler by adding more ice or warmer by reducing it.
Can I skip the banana?
Absolutely. Try subbing in canned pumpkin, avocado, or even cooked sweet potato for creaminess. Just add a little extra sweetener if needed.
Recipe Card
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
- 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1–2 tbsp maple syrup or honey
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1 frozen banana
- 1/2 cup plain or vanilla Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp almond or peanut butter
- 1 tbsp chia or flaxseeds
- 1/2 cup ice
- Optional: peppermint extract or crushed candy canes
Instructions:
- Heat milk, cocoa, sweetener, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt until steamy.
- Cool slightly and blend with oats, banana, yogurt, nut butter, seeds, and ice.
Nutrition: Approx. 340–360 calories per serving
If you whip this up, I’d love to see your festive twist—tag @thekitchensaid on Instagram or drop a comment below to share your creations. Happy sipping!
